Troy University Athletics
Late First Half Explosion Pushes Trojans to Convincing Victory Over Middle Tennessee
9/19/2020 6:13:00 PM | Football
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – A Will Choloh safety and a five-yard touchdown pass from sophomore Gunnar Watson to senior Khalil McClain with three seconds left in the first half powered the Troy Trojans football program to a commanding 19-point lead, enroute to a 47-14 victory over Middle Tennessee Saturday afternoon at Floyd Stadium to capture the coveted Palladium Trophy.
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In his first start as a Trojan, Watson impressed, completing 26-of-37 passes for 248 yards and his first career touchdown. Watson becomes the first Troy quarterback to win his first career start since Corey Robinson defeated Bowling Green back in 2010 (Sept. 4).
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Troy (1-0) was extremely balanced on the afternoon, rushing for 240 yards on 55 carries. Redshirt senior BJ Smith was the Trojans leading rusher (10 rushes, 81 yards) in his much-anticipated return to action.
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Seven different Trojans were credited with a touchdown led by McClain (6 receptions, 75 yards and 2 touchdowns) and Charles Strong (11 rushes, 54 yards and a touchdown).
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The Trojans reached at least 400 yards of total offense for the ninth time in Chip Lindsey's tenure (13 games) as head coach, as 10 different Trojans recorded a reception.
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On the opposite side of the ball, the new look Trojan defense impressed, forcing Asher O'Hara and the Blue Raiders (0-2) offensive attack into three interceptions and two turnovers on downs. O'Hara completed 16-of-23 for just 109 yards and zero touchdowns. The Blue Raiders recorded just 241 yards of total offense.
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The Trojans defense held an opponent to fewer than 250 yards of total offense for the first time since they held Akron to just 242 yards in a 35-7 victory.
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Troy returns to action next Saturday for a nationally televised ESPN matchup against BYU. Kickoff from Provo is set for 9:15 p.m. central time.
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A full game recap complete with notes and reaction from head coach Chip Lindsey to come.
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In his first start as a Trojan, Watson impressed, completing 26-of-37 passes for 248 yards and his first career touchdown. Watson becomes the first Troy quarterback to win his first career start since Corey Robinson defeated Bowling Green back in 2010 (Sept. 4).
Â
Troy (1-0) was extremely balanced on the afternoon, rushing for 240 yards on 55 carries. Redshirt senior BJ Smith was the Trojans leading rusher (10 rushes, 81 yards) in his much-anticipated return to action.
Â
Seven different Trojans were credited with a touchdown led by McClain (6 receptions, 75 yards and 2 touchdowns) and Charles Strong (11 rushes, 54 yards and a touchdown).
Â
The Trojans reached at least 400 yards of total offense for the ninth time in Chip Lindsey's tenure (13 games) as head coach, as 10 different Trojans recorded a reception.
Â
On the opposite side of the ball, the new look Trojan defense impressed, forcing Asher O'Hara and the Blue Raiders (0-2) offensive attack into three interceptions and two turnovers on downs. O'Hara completed 16-of-23 for just 109 yards and zero touchdowns. The Blue Raiders recorded just 241 yards of total offense.
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The Trojans defense held an opponent to fewer than 250 yards of total offense for the first time since they held Akron to just 242 yards in a 35-7 victory.
Â
Troy returns to action next Saturday for a nationally televised ESPN matchup against BYU. Kickoff from Provo is set for 9:15 p.m. central time.
Â
A full game recap complete with notes and reaction from head coach Chip Lindsey to come.
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Players Mentioned
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